Another interesting article from Miss Merry

Another snippet from the memories of Miss Merry concerns the Lonsdale family. Lord and Lady Lonsdale lived for many years at Cottesmore Hall and always travelled in yellow coaches as that was Lord Lonsdale's favourite colour. He was known as “The Yellow Earl” and of course founded the present day Automobile Association, hence the association's yellow livery. They sat in 'their' seats in St Nicholas' Church on Sundays. Maids from all the large houses in Cottesmore would also attend church and sit in specially designated pews. There were 6 maids serving at the Old Rectory and they, along with others would be picked up from Oakham Station by pony and trap driven by Hedley, Miss Merry's, brother and taken to church.